Monthly Archives: December 2018

Even for a pear of eyes

Posted on December 30, 2018 by Confanity

目に入れても痛くない (Me ni irete mo itakunai; “Doesn’t hurt even if it gets in your eye”) Definition: To adore someone, especially a child or grandchild, beyond all reason. To dote on someone. Generally reserved for feelings toward “cute” things such as … Continue reading →

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Rubbing elbows ‘cross the pond

Posted on December 26, 2018 by Confanity

一衣帯水 ichi.i.tai.sui Literally: one – garment – belt – water Alternately: A relatively thin strip of water, such as a river or narrow stretch of sea. By extension, two things that are very close together. Notes: Unusually among four-character compounds, … Continue reading →

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If this post is too long, I can’t say I wasn’t warned

Posted on December 23, 2018 by Confanity

雉も鳴かずば撃たれまい (Kiji mo nakazuba utaremai; “Even the pheasant, if it doesn’t cry out, won’t be shot”) Definition: Said in response to times when someone caused problems for themselves by speaking when it would have been prudent not to. An admonition … Continue reading →

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No rank, no file

Posted on December 19, 2018 by Confanity

It gets you off the grid! 無位無冠 mu.i.mu.kan Literally: nothing – rank – nothing – crown Alternately: An ordinary citizen. Having no special prestige from rank, title, official position, or status. Notes: A variant phrase replaces 冠 with 官 (also … Continue reading →

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This post sponsored by Santana

Posted on December 16, 2018 by Confanity

“Searchin’” 七度尋ねて人を疑え (Nanatabi tazunete hito wo utagae; “Search seven times, [then] doubt somebody”) Definition: When you’ve lost something, make sure to search for it as thoroughly as you can before you start accusing people of having taken it. Don’t start … Continue reading →

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But it takes good theory to be “okonai alpha”!

Posted on December 14, 2018 by Confanity

(I was updating the kotowaza index when I discovered that I had doubled my use of the saying 目から鼻へ抜ける, so this “extra” post is intended to make up for the gap. Please enjoy!) 理屈上手の行い下手 (Rikutsu jouzu no okonai beta; “Good … Continue reading →

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Some cows give milk; this one says “Mu”

Posted on December 12, 2018 by Confanity

無為無能 mu.i.mu.nou Literally: nothing – do/benefit – nothing – ability Alternately: Not doing anything, and not able to do anything. A complete lack of action, and of ability to achieve anything significant. Idle and incompetent. Notes: Keep in mind that … Continue reading →

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Challenge Accepted: The Museum Experience

Posted on December 10, 2018 by Confanity

Once again I’ve found inspiration in a passing comment on someone’s blog; in this case the source is a list of movies the writer found inspiring (for their tabletop RPG play), and the comment is in response to Indiana Jones and … Continue reading →

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An irony for many residents of DC

Posted on December 9, 2018 by Confanity

Especially the transients. You know who you are. 住めば都 (Sumeba miyako; “If you live there, it’s the capital”) Definition: No matter how inconvenient, old, noisy, or just plain bad your residence is, it still feels like you belong there. Once … Continue reading →

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Glance after equally-loving glance

Posted on December 5, 2018 by Confanity

No piquing, though 一視同仁 i-.sshi.dou.jin Literally: one – look – same – benevolence Alternately: Feeling equal affection for all, without prejudice or discrimination. Universal love, without consideration for rank, caste, or any of the other distinctions that normally divide us. … Continue reading →

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